What is a primary responsibility of a licensed establishment regarding intoxicated patrons?

A primary responsibility of a licensed establishment regarding intoxicated patrons is to refuse service and ensure their safe departure. This is critical to promoting safety and responsible alcohol consumption. When patrons are intoxicated, they may pose a risk to themselves and others, so licensed establishments have a legal and moral obligation to prevent further intoxication.

Refusing service to intoxicated patrons helps to mitigate the risk of incidents such as drunk driving, violence, or health emergencies, thereby promoting a safer environment for all customers and staff. Furthermore, ensuring a safe departure may involve calling a taxi or providing assistance to make sure the individual gets home safely, which shows a commitment to the well-being of patrons.

In contrast, serving intoxicated patrons as long as they can pay is irresponsible and dangerous, as it exacerbates their condition. Offering free drinks to encourage purchasing promotes further intoxication and is counterproductive to responsible service. Providing snacks may temporarily alleviate some effects of alcohol but does not address the core issue of intoxication and responsibility. Therefore, the role of the establishment is focused on safety and compliance with legal regulations regarding alcohol service.